Report: Cardinals will not tender RB Emari Demercado

The Arizona Cardinals will not tender restricted free agent running back Emari Demercado, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Schultz added that Arizona could still look to bring Demercado back.

Demercado was an undrafted free agent and signed with the Cardinals in 2023. He spent three seasons in Arizona, collecting 1,143 total yards and four touchdowns.

The Cardinals’ running back had 44 carries for 312 yards and added 13 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown last season.

However, his most notable play of the season came on his longest run of the year, when he scampered 71 yards against the Tennessee Titans and dropped the ball before reaching the end zone.

The play would’ve likely been the finishing touches on a Cardinals win if he made it to the end zone. Instead, it sparked the Titans’ comeback win, and former coach Jonathan Gannon was fined later in the week for the sideline interaction with Demercado following the play.

Where does this leave the Cardinals’ running back room?

James Conner is under contract through the 2026 season and Trey Benson’s rookie contract runs through the 2027 season.

Bam Knight is a restricted free agent and Michael Carter is an unrestricted free agent.

With Benson under contract in 2026 and Conner as a potential buyout candidate, the Cardinals are expected to address the position either in the draft or in free agency.

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